Michelle Maree on stage with a microphone, reaching out to the audience at Founder Island Fest 2025

FOUNDER Island Fest | Madeira, December 4-10, 2026

What if ONE week could change the next 10 years of how you do business?

Secure your pass Book a free call

2,000+ entrepreneurs have escaped with us since 2019

Best Retreat 2025Global Nomad Awards

  • 4–10 Dec 2026Seven days
  • Madeira, PortugalWild cliffs, endless ocean
  • 150+ foundersA curated network
  • 20+ speakersKeynotes & workshops
  • From €1,495Sales close 25 Nov

Our Partners

Michelle on stage in front of a slide reading: maybe you are sitting next to your new business partner, mentor, collaborator, investor, best friend
Portrait of Michelle Maree

MemberForbes Coaches Council

49+retreats hosted
since 2019

Hey, I'm Michelle Maree.

I’m a Super Connector, Entrepreneur, facilitator and the founder of The Nomad Escape.

Before I tell you what this event is about, I want to share a short story, so you understand why I built it, and why it this will be a life-changing experience for you.

At 14, I became homeless. Living in shelters, I saw how people became a victim of their environments, and blamed others for it. I made myself a promise: I would never let that happen to me. Because of this experience I have learned:

the right people, in the right environment, at the right time, change everything.

That's why I created Founder Island Fest.

This isn’t the typical conference where you collect business cards and never connect again. It’s a holistic experience, where entrepreneurs who are done with small talk, playing small, come together to make real moves. Growing personally, professionally, financially, and emotionally.

  • Where partnerships worth $100K+ form over dinner.
  • Where your next hire finds you.
  • Where the clarity you’ve been chasing finally clicks.
  • And where you remember why you started this journey in the first place.
  • 2019Our first Escape
  • 49+Retreats hosted
  • 2,000+Entrepreneurs hosted
  • $1M+In deals closed by past attendees

This is NOT for beginners learning "how to become a digital nomad"

Here's What Actually Happens When You Join Us:

This is for purpose-driven founders, community leaders and connectors:

  • Expand your network with the RIGHT people (not just more people)
  • Create partnerships and opportunities that actually move the needle on your revenue
  • Finally get the clarity you need to scale without burning out
  • Recharge completely so you come back sharper, stronger, and ready to win

The ROI is real: Our past attendees have closed over $1M+ in deals, found their key team members, and completely transformed their business strategies in just 7 days!

Why Madeira? Why December?

Wild cliffs. Endless ocean. Energy that rewires you.

For 7 days, this island becomes YOUR space to:

  • Build the relationships that scale your business
  • Get crystal-clear on your next big move
  • Remember what freedom actually feels like

Plus, we handle everything. You just show up ready to grow.

  • A forest trail opening onto mountains and the Atlantic
  • A clifftop hotel above the Atlantic on Madeira’s coast
  • Founders talking on a terrace at sunset

The 2025 film

Don’t just read about it. Feel it.

Awarded BEST RETREAT in 2025

The Global Nomad Awards recognized us because we don't just host events.

We create transformation.

Since 2019, we've hosted 49+ retreats and 2000+ entrepreneurs who walked away with:

  • High-ticket deals closed
  • Key hires made on the spot
  • Business breakthroughs that changed everything
  • And friendships that last for life

The Program

Here’s the 7-Day Program That Will Transform You

Wellness, Business, Community & Growth

The red carpet and welcome banner outside the opening-night venue

Day 1

Welcome & Red Carpet Gala

Friday 4 December 2026

The detailed program will be provided max 1 week before kick-off. We daily have a mix of workouts, workshops, talks, and connection sessions with the following timetable (times can be changed due to request or weather circumstances)

  1. 8:00 – 8:45 AMMorning workout / Yoga / Confidence Bootcamps
  2. 9:00 – 10:15 AMTime for shower, breakfast, and getting done some work/emails if you have to
  3. 10:30 AM – 13:00 PMExpert Talks and Workshops
  4. 13:00 – 3:30 PMFree time: Relax, lunch, work or do whatever your heart desires
  5. 3:30 – 4:30 PMCommunity Talks
  6. 4:45 – 6:15 PMBusiness brainstorming & workshops.
  7. 6:30 – 7:30 PMDeep connection sessions.
  8. 7:30 – 9:00 PMDinner
  9. 9:30 - 11.30 PMEscapers Lounge/ Party/ Workshop/ Holistic session/ etc.

Speakers From 2026 Edition

Who We’ll Learn From

More of the 2026 line-up

What Makes Founder Island Fest Different?

We Don't Do Ordinary Events. We Create Transformation.

Two founders laughing on the red carpet

Red carpet entrance

Because you deserve to feel like the champion you are

Founders waving from the roof of a jeep in Madeira’s mountains

Jeep safaris & island exploration

See Madeira like locals do

A small mastermind group in deep conversation

Strategic business introductions

We match you with YOUR people

An infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic at sunset

Cold plunges & spa access

Reset your nervous system

Guests in gold and black gowns at the V-Gala

Themed parties

V-Gala Royale Extravaganza (think Casino Royale meets Moulin Rouge)

Founders sharing a long-table network dinner

Daily 3-course network dinners

Where million-dollar deals get discussed

Founders lying on mats during a guided breathwork session

Meditation & mindfulness

Because scaling requires inner peace

From Day 1, you know exactly who to talk to and what you can create together.

We've designed every detail so you can focus on what matters: growing your business while actually enjoying your life.

The ROI is Undeniable

Let's talk numbers for a second.

  • Expanded Business Network

    If ONE connection leads to a client worth $5K-$100K, you've already 10X'd your investment. (We've had over $1M in direct deals between previous participants.)

  • Strategic Insights

    Implementing one strategy from our masterminds that increases your monthly revenue by just 10%? That's thousands—potentially tens of thousands—annually.

  • Stress Reduction

    The cost of burnout is massive. Investing in your mental health HERE prevents expensive therapy, health issues, and bad business decisions later.

  • Luxury Experience

    This isn't just workshops. It's a founder experience in one of the world's most beautiful islands.

€10,000

Your pass

One client like that covers your pass

6.7×

That’s €8,505 left over — from a single introduction.

An illustration, not a promise. Past attendees have closed $1M+ in deals with each other.

We handle logistics. You show up and win.

JOIN FOUNDER ISLAND FEST NOW

What Our Participants Say

"This network has been incredible for me. I got access to people I would never get access to, found new opportunities, and strategic partnerships on a global level. A+."

Derek SmithStrategic Communications Consultant

Hear it from them

Who's Already Joined Us

2,000+Entrepreneurs Including:

  • Marissa LiesenfeltFormer COO BossBabe
  • Chris ReynoldsFounder Business Method Podcast
  • Niraj NaikFounder Soma Breath
  • Ben GuezFounder & Content Creator
  • Silvia BeanaReal Estate Investor

Special Event:

The Great Unwritten

Celebrating years of Founder Island Fest!

The Great Unwritten

After five great years, we’re resetting the slate for our sixth annual December event to focus purely on the founder's journey. The Great Unwritten strips away the typical corporate noise, bringing visionaries together in a blank-canvas environment to spark raw innovation and next-level collaborations.

Dress Code:

Architectural White

Step onto the red carpet as a masterpiece on a blank canvas. We are looking for high-fashion, avant-garde silhouettes—think dramatic tailoring, structured layers, and sharp lines in 100% pure white.

Be elegant AND extra.

The Great Unwritten poster: founders dressed in white walking down a white carpet towards the ocean

Pricing & Packages

Secure your spot now:

77days 00hrs 00min 00sec

BASIC PASS

€1495ONLY

GET YOUR TICKET EARLY NOW!

What’s included:

  • 7-day access to the event venue
  • Daily workshops, talks, & sessions
  • Daily fitness sessions
  • Coworking space with fast Wi-Fi
  • Access to our curated network
  • Not included: On-site 1:1 Business Coaching
  • Not included: On-site 1:1 Mindfulness coaching
  • Not included: Stay in 4* ocean front spa and boutique hotel
  • Not included: Access to Jacuzzi, Saunas, Pools
  • Not included: Extensive breakfast buffet
  • Not included: Access to daily 3-course network dinners
  • Not included: Airport transfer
  • Not included: Island exploration day
  • Not included: Premium Welcome Package
SECURE BASIC PASS →

PREMIUM PASS

€2,795ONLY

GET YOUR TICKET EARLY NOW!

What’s included:

  • Stay in on of 4* ocean front spa & boutique hotels
  • Extensive breakfast buffet
  • Access to Jacuzzi, Saunas, Pools
  • Access to Daily 3-Course Network Dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Island exploration day
  • Premium Welcome Package
  • 7-day access to the event venue
  • Daily workshops, talks, & sessions
  • Daily fitness sessions
  • On-site 1:1 Business Coaching
  • On-site 1:1 Mindfulness coaching
  • Co-working space with fast Wi-Fi
  • Access to our curated network

This is the all-inclusive founder experience. You show up. We handle everything. You leave transformed.

SECURE PREMIUM PASS →

Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

I know saying YES to an experience like this is a big decision.

So here's my promise:

If you show up fully on Day 1 and don't feel this is everything we promised (and more), we'll refund your ticket.

No drama. No questions asked.

That's how confident I am that this will change your business—and your life.

JOIN FOUNDER ISLAND FEST NOW

Book a call

Still deciding? Let’s talk.

Book a free 30-minute call with Michelle’s team. Ask anything, find the right pass, and get an honest answer on whether this week is right for you.

  • Get every question answered
  • Find the pass that fits you
  • Zero pressure, no hard sell

Real people, not a sales script.You’ll speak with the team behind 49+ retreats.

Prefer email? team@thenomadescape.com

Book your free call 30 minutes with Michelle’s team
  • Pick a slot in your own time zone
  • Confirmation and reminders by email
  • Reschedule any time, one click

Can’t find a slot that works? Email team@thenomadescape.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Book a free call
Can I use more than 1 discount?

No, it is not possible to apply several vouchers, discounts, or early-bird offers for the same experience.

How does the payment work?

You can choose to pay the full amount at the time of booking or select our split payment option.

How does the program look like?

The detailed program will be provided max 1 week before kick-off. We daily have a mix of workouts, workshops, talks, and connection sessions with the following timetable (times can be changed due to request or weather circumstances)

  • 8:00 – 8:45 AM: Morning workout / Yoga / Confidence Bootcamps
  • 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Time for shower, breakfast, and getting done some work/emails if you have to
  • 10:30 AM – 13:00 PM: Expert Talks and Workshops
  • 13:00 – 3:30 PM: Free time: Relax, lunch, work or do whatever your heart desires
  • 3:30 – 4:30 PM: Community Talks
  • 4:45 – 6:15 PM: Business brainstorming & workshops.
  • 6:30 – 7:30 PM Deep connection sessions.
  • 7:30 – 9:00 PM: Dinner
  • 9:30 - 11.30 PM: Escapers Lounge/ Party/ Workshop/ Holistic session/ etc.
What are your Terms & Conditions?

Please find here more about out general terms and conditions and cancelation policy.

What is the cancellation policy?

If the participant decides to cancel within 24 hours from the submission of the payment (either in full or as an initial deposit), 100% of the amount paid will be refunded.

If the participant cancels their booking 60 days or more prior to the start of the program, 95% of the full ticket price will be refunded; the other 5% will be forfeited to cover the refund cost.

If the participant cancels their booking within 60 days prior to the start of the program, all payments are non-refundable.

However, the participant may transfer the participation to another person or use the amount paid as a credit toward participation in the following year’s event.

How many hours can I work?

There will be enough time to get work done but we advise you to work approx. 10 hours during our experience.

You ARE on an Escape while staying at amazing places with amazing people and we want you to experience it to the fullest! You can work more hours of course, but we would highly recommend enjoying the retreat to the fullest.

We always listen to everyone’s preferences and work schedule, while trying to make it work the best as possible.

What is included?

Daily workshops, group training by a personal trainer, access to all facilities, Wi-Fi, and curation of the group.

Only for PREMIUM Tickets: stay in one of 2 luxury accommodations, daily extensive breakfast, daily dinner.

Check the specific packages for more details.

What is not included?

Flights and travel costs, medical insurance, and all activities and meals outside the program.

Check the specific packages for more details.

What is the difference between the Level up Club Business Retreat and Founder Island Fest?

Our signature retreats are in a smaller, more intimate setting, with approximately 15 people. It is a peer-to-peer mentoring week where you will learn from each other during masterminds, skillshares, and different workshops.

Founder Island Fest is a bit bigger, with about 100 people. We have top-class speakers and different workshops than in the Level Up Club Business Retreat. The retreat is great if you want to go more into depth and have more personal connection with the others. The fest is great if you want to join talks of experts and simply wish to meet more people.

What type of people will join?

Our Escapes are designed for remote working professionals. The average age of the people who join us is mostly between 22 and 55 years old. Our participants mostly work as a freelancer, work remotely for a company, people who have their own business, or entrepreneurs who are building their start-up.

We’ve hosted 1200+ founders, entrepreneurs, freelancers, business owners, digital founders, and creatives who work in a variety of industries such as E-commerce, Software Engineering, Digital Marketing, Strategy Consulting, Media Buying, Brand Strategy, PR & Communication, Project Management, Virtual Assistance, Music Production, Videography, Photography, Blogging, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Recruitment, Web Development, Sales & automation, and many more.

Your Future Self is Waiting

Right now, you have two choices:

The entrepreneurs who say YES to experiences like this? They're the ones who scale.

Your move.

Speaker at Founder Island Fest 2026